Paying for Health Care Services
What is one government-supported program that works to pay for health care services for older adults?
Medicare/Medicaid/Medigap
What is a GRN?
Geriatric resource nurse
What is the main goal of home care services?
To help older adults stay safe and comfortable in their own homes
What is the main purpose of a nursing home?
To provide 24-hour care and support for older adults who cannot live safely at home.
What does the word geriatric mean?
Care related to older adults, usually age 65 and up
True or false: The Veteran's Administration is an example of private insurance.
False; it is a government-supported program
What is person-centered care?
Care that emphasizes personal choices and quality of life (spurred in nursing homes through culture change!)
What are skilled home care services?
Services that provide short-term skilled nursing or rehabilitative services for homebound people who meet specific criteria
True or False: Nursing homes can help reduce family caregiver stress
True
What is one way to help prevent falls in older adults?
Remove tripping hazards, use grab bars, or wear proper shoes
What are the criteria/considerations for Medicaid eligibility?
Medical and financial criteria must be met, established by state and federal regulations
What other disciplines might you interact with as an RN in order to provide the best geriatric care?
Doctors, geriatricians, pharmacists, social workers, rehabilitation therapists, mental health professionals, and supportive therapies such as music or art
What is one example of a non-medical service that home care can provide?
Help with cleaning, meals, or grocery shopping
True or False: Residents in nursing homes have little independence
False, residents make daily choices about meals activities and daily routines
Why is regular vision and hearing care especially important for older adults?
It helps prevent accidents and improves communication
What services does Medicare typically cover?
Hospital and physician services (excludes some skilled care services in homes or nursing homes)
What are some of the most common conditions affecting the geriatric population that we must address as nurses?
Dementia, delirium, infections, constipation, poor nutrition, pain, incontinence, functional status
What kind of care might be given at home after a fall?
Physical therapy and education on fall prevention!
What kinds of therapy can residents receive in nursing homes?
Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.
What is one way families can support older adults emotionally?
Spending time with them, listening, and encouraging social connections.
Why was MediGap insurance created?
It is supplemental policy that was created to decrease out-of-pocket costs on services not originally covered by Medicare
What is one role of the RN in a nursing home setting?
Team leader, nursing supervisor, wellness nurse, director of nursing, and assistant director of nursing, nursing assistant educator, plan/implementing care, advocating, establishing support groups
True or False: Home care can provide transportation to appointments
True
Name one program for improving healthcare in hospitalized adults
What is...
-Nurses Improving Care to the Hospitalized Elderly (NICHE)
-Hospital Elder Life Program (HELP)
What is the Older American Act?
The act enacted in 1965 to support programs helping older adults remain independent in their own home or community